NYK has agreed to joint ownership of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier with the Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (KEPCO) through a vessel-owner company shared by the two companies (NYK 30%, KEPCO 70%). This co-ownership is the first between NYK and KEPCO, and is expected to lead to a stronger relationship among the two companies.
Kawasaki HI Sakaide Shipyard seen from the train on Great Seto Bridge - Image: Wiki
The vessel is being built at the Sakaide shipyard of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. and upon completion in late 2017 will be assigned to the Cove Point LNG project in the United States to transport LNG for 20 years.
The new ship will be equipped with a dual-fuel diesel electric propulsion engine that reduces fuel consumption over that of a conventional steam turbine engine. Moreover, the vessel suppresses the boil-off rate of the LNG in the cargo tank to 0.08 percent of tank volume per day, the world’s lowest level. These advanced technologies mitigate environmental burdens and improve operational efficiency for LNG transportation.
NYK will continue to make use of its 30-plus years of experience in LNG transport to provide stable energy transportation for society.
Outline of the New LNG Carrier:
Length overall - About 300.00 m
Breadth - About 48,90 m
Tank capacity - About 177,000 m3 (moss-type)
Main engine - Dual-Fuel Diesel Electric Propulsion System (DFDE)
Vessel-owner - LNG SAKURA Shipping Corporation
Share - NYK 30%, KEPCO 70%
Flag - Bahamas
Shipyard - Sakaide shipyard, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.
Ship management - NYK
Delivery - December 2017 (scheduled)
Source: NYK